Colour blind recruit fights 'sexist' force
Colour blind recruit fights 'sexist' force
by Ruairi O'Kane
Scottish Daily Express - Tuesday October 17 2006
Scotland's largest police force is bracing itself for a spate of sex discrimination cases following a row over the rejection of colour blind recruits.
In the past two years, Strathclyde Police rejected eight candidates with vision problems.
But a landmark legal case south of the Border found that a colour-blind officer faced indirect sexual discrimination because the condition is more common in men thanin women.
Now failed applicants may use the precedent to seek thusands of pounds in compensation.
Two years ago Robin Dixon's bid to join the police was rejected when he failed his medical because he was colour blind.
The 25-year-old, who suffers from anomalous trichromacy and has problems differentiating between shades of green, took Strathclyde Police to a Glasgow employment tribunal claiming disability discrimination.
But his complaint was rejected because it was time barred.
The store manager, from East Kilbride, is now considering a sex discrimination complaint.
His father, Robert, 55, said "We have only just been made aware of a case in England, where an officer succeeded in a sexual discrimination case.
"As far as we know, there are another seven people in the same boat as Robin who could tkae action against Strathclyde Police.
"It was always Robin's ambition to join the police.
"He is distraught that he has not been accepted after being considered suitable in every other way.
"In fact, other force, including the Met, have said he would be acceptable to join them."
A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police said it was inappropriate to comment on Mr Dixon's case as he had lodged an employment tribunal appeal.
SNP MSP Linda Fabiani raised the issue last year when she asked Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson if she thought anomalous trichromacy was sufficient reason to debar an applicant from entry to the police service.
Ms Jamieson said: "While the Scottish Executive has issued guidance on eyesight standards, appointment to the police service is ultimately a matter for the chief constable."
A police source said: "The way it works, this guy could probably apply to Lothian and Borders and get in."
by Ruairi O'Kane
Scottish Daily Express - Tuesday October 17 2006
Scotland's largest police force is bracing itself for a spate of sex discrimination cases following a row over the rejection of colour blind recruits.
In the past two years, Strathclyde Police rejected eight candidates with vision problems.
But a landmark legal case south of the Border found that a colour-blind officer faced indirect sexual discrimination because the condition is more common in men thanin women.
Now failed applicants may use the precedent to seek thusands of pounds in compensation.
Two years ago Robin Dixon's bid to join the police was rejected when he failed his medical because he was colour blind.
The 25-year-old, who suffers from anomalous trichromacy and has problems differentiating between shades of green, took Strathclyde Police to a Glasgow employment tribunal claiming disability discrimination.
But his complaint was rejected because it was time barred.
The store manager, from East Kilbride, is now considering a sex discrimination complaint.
His father, Robert, 55, said "We have only just been made aware of a case in England, where an officer succeeded in a sexual discrimination case.
"As far as we know, there are another seven people in the same boat as Robin who could tkae action against Strathclyde Police.
"It was always Robin's ambition to join the police.
"He is distraught that he has not been accepted after being considered suitable in every other way.
"In fact, other force, including the Met, have said he would be acceptable to join them."
A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police said it was inappropriate to comment on Mr Dixon's case as he had lodged an employment tribunal appeal.
SNP MSP Linda Fabiani raised the issue last year when she asked Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson if she thought anomalous trichromacy was sufficient reason to debar an applicant from entry to the police service.
Ms Jamieson said: "While the Scottish Executive has issued guidance on eyesight standards, appointment to the police service is ultimately a matter for the chief constable."
A police source said: "The way it works, this guy could probably apply to Lothian and Borders and get in."
posted by Absolutely PC at 11:28 am
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